Isaiah 41:19

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, [and] the pine, and the box tree together:

I will plant {H5414} in the wilderness {H4057} the cedar {H730}, the shittah tree {H7848}, and the myrtle {H1918}, and the oil {H8081} tree {H6086}; I will set {H7760} in the desert {H6160} the fir tree {H1265}, and the pine {H8410}, and the box tree {H8391} together {H3162}:

I will plant the desert with cedars, acacias, myrtles and olive trees; In the 'Aravah I will put cypresses together with elm trees and larches."

I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,

I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desert the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together:

Commentary

Isaiah 41:19 is a powerful declaration of God's miraculous ability to transform barrenness into beauty and abundance. It is part of a larger prophecy where God reassures His people, Israel, of His unwavering support and promises to act on their behalf, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah," where the prophet addresses the exiles in Babylon. The people of Israel felt like a desolate wilderness, abandoned and powerless. God, through Isaiah, speaks words of hope, promising not only to deliver them but also to radically change their circumstances, both physically and spiritually. The preceding verses in Isaiah 41 emphasize God's strength and His promise to help and uphold His chosen servant, Israel, dispelling their fears.

Key Themes

  • Divine Transformation: The central message is God's unparalleled power to bring life and beauty to the most desolate places. The "wilderness" and "desert" symbolize not just geographical locations but also states of spiritual and physical barrenness, despair, and hardship.
  • Abundance and Fertility: The specific trees listed — cedar, shittah (acacia), myrtle, oil tree (olive), fir, pine, and box tree — are typically found in fertile regions or are known for their majesty, utility, or beauty. Their presence in a desert signifies a miraculous and complete reversal of natural conditions, promising lush growth and fruitfulness where there was none.
  • God's Presence and Provision: This verse underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people. He is not a distant deity but one who intervenes directly to provide, sustain, and beautify, demonstrating His care and faithfulness.
  • Hope and Restoration: For a people feeling like a dried-up land, this prophecy offers immense hope. It speaks to a future where God will restore not just their physical land but also their national dignity and spiritual vitality, making them a testament to His glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "wilderness" (midbar) and "desert" (arabah) evoke images of dry, uninhabitable expanses, often associated with hardship and testing. The contrast with the planting of diverse trees is striking. The "shittah tree" (acacia) is notable as its wood was used in the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 25:10), perhaps hinting at God's dwelling among His people even in their transformed state. The "oil tree" refers to the olive tree, symbolizing fruitfulness, prosperity, and anointing.

Practical Application

Isaiah 41:19 offers profound encouragement for individuals and communities facing their own "wilderness" experiences today. When life feels barren, overwhelming, or devoid of hope, this verse reminds us that God is capable of bringing about radical transformation. He can plant seeds of joy, peace, and purpose in the midst of sorrow, turmoil, or spiritual dryness. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power to make the desert blossom like a rose, bringing unexpected beauty and fruitfulness into our lives and circumstances. This divine promise extends to spiritual renewal, where God can transform a hardened heart into a fertile ground for His truth and grace, enabling us to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:13

    Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

  • Isaiah 37:31

    And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

  • Isaiah 37:32

    For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

  • Isaiah 35:1

    ¶ The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

  • Isaiah 60:13

    The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

  • Isaiah 61:11

    For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

  • Ezekiel 17:22

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent: